The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Unveils Elemental Harmony: A Transformative Retreat Experience

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is  pleased to introduce The Essence of Balance – Elemental Harmony —a unique island experience  dedicated to holistic rejuvenation and inner harmony. Set against the stunning backdrop of the  Maldives, from May 23 – 27, 2024, the exclusive retreat promises curated wellness and fitness  sessions designed to facilitate self-discovery and enlightenment. 

Powered by the significance of the number five, the Elemental Harmony Retreat invites guests to  delve into the elemental forces of the number, whose presence is woven into every aspect of the  experience. Guests will embrace the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Spirit—each  representing stability, adaptability, transformation, intellect, and transcendence, offering a holistic  journey of self-discovery. The group will be guided by five practitioners, each a master of their  respective fields, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a space where balance and wisdom  intersect. Lastly the retreat will be united by five distinct pillars—Unity, Balance, Resilience,  Harmony, and Transcendence—aiming to unveil the interconnectedness of all things, nurturing  spiritual growth and prosperity. 

Each day begins with mindfulness expert Jackie Stewart, guiding guests through intention-setting  and meditation sessions, fostering transformative journeys of self-discovery followed by  invigorating yoga sessions designed to awaken the body led by skilled instructor Josh Kramer. 

Guests can also enjoy high-intensity training (HIT) workouts with Jacy Cunningham, blending  yoga with interval training for enhanced physical strength and mental resilience. 

Over the course of the afternoon, Nicole Rutsch will lead travelers in daily sound baths, offering  a deeply immersive journey of holistic wellness and spiritual growth that aligns with guests’  intentions and fosters inner peace and balance. Lastly, Nicole Berrie will lead an expanse of  curated culinary experiences featuring diverse menus, breakfast delights, cooking classes, and  exclusive dinners, ensuring guests nourish both body and soul throughout their stay. 

The Elemental Harmony Retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to  embark on a transformative journey of renewal and self-discovery. Set in a true island paradise, the immersive experience offers a complete rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit, along with  inner balance, encouraging guests to explore the transformative power of the number five. 

The Elemental Harmony master practitioners include: 

Jackie Stewart – Element: Spirit 

Jackie Stewart, a NYC-based meditation teacher and mindfulness advisor, discovered meditation  during a transformative retreat in Nepal. She pursued formal training, completing The  Interdependence Project’s meditation teacher program, The Open Center’s Integrative Sound and  Music certification, and UC Berkeley’s Science of Happiness Program. This enabled her to bridge  inner peace with external realities for others. Today, Jackie integrates mindfulness into social  activism, corporate meditations, philanthropy, and motherhood. Collaborating with her husband,  she facilitates sound meditations across New York City, enriching communities with peaceful  vibrations and profound experiences. 

Josh Kramer – Element: Earth 

Josh Kramer, originally from Zimbabwe and now in California, brings a global perspective to his  lifelong dedication to Yoga. With a teaching style combining Iyengar Yoga and Vinyasa flow, he  emphasizes alignment, integrity, and encourages creativity and strength. Passionate about  handstands, Kramer guides students to master this challenging pose, enhancing strength,  technique, and confidence. Beyond Yoga, he is committed to humanitarian efforts, actively  involved in implementing programs in developing countries, working towards a sustainable world  without poverty and injustice. Kramer’s impactful endeavors have taken him to various countries  across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. 

Jacy Cunningham – Element: Water 

Raised in an athletically inclined family, Jacy Cunningham felt the pressure to excel in sports,  leading him to secure a football scholarship at Howard University. Despite his achievements, he  sensed a misalignment with his true calling. After soul-searching at Summit Series events in Utah,  where he served as a movement instructor until 2017, Jacy founded The Jacy Method. This  transformative movement practice, certified by the American Aerobic Association International  Sports Medicine Association and Qoya Yoga, focuses on emotional and physical well-being.  Collaborating with brands like Nike, Life Is Good, and Mike Posner, Jacy travels the country,  empowering individuals through movement and self-discovery.

Nicole Rutsch – Element: Air 

Nicole, raised on a farm in Stadecken, Germany, developed a profound appreciation for farm-to table cooking and the arts. Guided by childhood lessons in preservation, she learned to make  preserves from leftover fruit in her grandparents’ orchards. Drawing from her studies in herbalism,  Nicole now helps others establish a positive, healthy connection with food, incorporating herbs  from local ecosystems. Recognizing the significance of holistic wellness, she expanded her focus  to soul healing. Facing personal challenges, Nicole gained self-awareness and embraced Reiki, a  Japanese therapeutic technique promoting emotional and physical well-being. Witnessing its  transformative effects, she became a certified Reiki Master, dedicated to sharing knowledge and  fostering growth and unity on life’s journey. 

Nicole Berrie – Element: Fire 

Nicole Berrie, a versatile entrepreneur, is renowned for her innovative contributions to wellness  and nutrition. As the founder of Bonberi, she curated a popular online wellness guide covering  nutrition, beauty, and mindfulness. Berrie’s expertise also extends to culinary arts, showcased in  her Body Harmony cookbook featuring plant-based recipes for intuitive eating. Her journey into  food followed a successful editorial career at Vanity Fair and ELLE, driven by a quest to merge  sleek, editorial aesthetics with holistic living resources. Bonberi has grown into a multimedia brand  with a physical presence. Amid her busy schedule, Nicole prioritizes activities like meditation,  journaling, and quality family time. 

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservation enquiries, please  visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives For real-time updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.